14 NOTES ON WEST AFRICAN CATEGORIES 



(Mbussi) helped to bring it into the world. This is 

 the Mu Mi class, which we shall number 2. 



3. Xi or Ki, plural I or Yi or Bi. In its early 

 infancy (Kindeka) it utters a faint sound (Xinzuzukulu), 

 and shows its affinity (Kiyitu) to humanity (Kiwunlu) 

 by certain signs of intelligence (Kibalanga). This is 

 the Xi or Ki, plural Yi or Bi, class, which we shall call 

 number 3. 



4. Li or Di or E, plural Ma. Then it imbibes milk 

 (Lidenvuene) from its mother's breast (Ebeni), and so 

 grows. This is the E, Di, or Li, plural Ma, class, 

 which we shall number 4. 



5. Lu Tu. It now begins to feel and touch 

 things, and so obtain pleasant or unpleasant sensa- 

 tions (Luiuu, plural Tutuu). This we shall call the 

 5th class. 



6. Ku Ma. It begins to find the use of its legs 

 (Kulu-Mahi), and by using its powers of sight, etc., it 

 begins its first lessons in mimicry (Kusokolola). This 

 is our Ku Ma or 6th class. 



7. Bu Ma. Then it uses its capacity (Buzabu^ 

 plural Mazabu) and activity in climbing and playing 

 and making things. This is the Bu Ma and our 7th 

 class. 



8. Mu Ba. And finally as it speaks it becomes 

 entitled to be included in the class of persons as a 

 child (Muana, plural Bana) ; this is the Mu Ba or 

 8th class. 



But outside these classes the Bavili have two 

 classes : one into which foreign words are placed, 

 which make their plural by adding Zi to the singular, 



